Since having the babies, I realize that 90 percent of losing

In the quiet spaces of the heart and soul, where strength is forged and wisdom is born, the words of Mariah Carey offer a profound truth: "Since having the babies, I realize that 90 percent of losing weight is my diet." These words, simple yet powerful, speak to an ancient understanding—the connection between what we consume and the shape of our bodies, both inside and out. In the ancient world, the great philosophers and healers knew that nourishment was the key to vitality, strength, and balance. To care for the body was not simply a matter of physical exercise, but a deeper, more sacred commitment to feeding the body with the right fuel.

In the teachings of the ancient Greeks, health was seen as a harmonious balance between mind, body, and soul. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, understood that food was more than mere sustenance—it was medicine. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” he proclaimed. In his view, the diet was central to health, a powerful force that shaped the body’s form and function. Mariah Carey echoes this ancient wisdom, recognizing that losing weight is not merely about exerting physical effort, but about the choices we make in what we allow to enter our bodies. Like the great philosophers, she understands that our bodies are not separate from the food we consume; they are intertwined, and our nourishment is the foundation upon which our health is built.

Consider the story of the legendary Spartans, known for their strength, discipline, and endurance. Their training was rigorous, but their meals were simple and balanced, designed to fuel the body for battle and long marches. The Spartan warriors were taught that the body must be carefully maintained, not only through physical exertion, but through proper nourishment. The ancient Spartan diet, rich in simple grains, vegetables, and lean meats, was seen as essential to their ability to perform. Just as Mariah Carey now acknowledges that her diet plays a crucial role in her body’s transformation, the Spartans knew that the proper balance of food was central to their strength. They understood that without the right fuel, no amount of physical training would be enough to achieve their goals.

The ancient Romans also understood the importance of diet in maintaining both strength and health. The renowned physician Galen wrote extensively on the balance between exercise and nutrition, understanding that one could not function without the other. He believed that a disciplined diet would enhance physical performance, while also preventing illness and promoting longevity. Just as Mariah Carey recognizes that 90 percent of weight loss comes from her diet, Galen would have affirmed that a healthy, balanced diet is the cornerstone of not only weight loss but also overall well-being. It is a reflection of the timeless wisdom that we are shaped by what we consume, and that the food we choose becomes the foundation of our physical existence.

Consider, too, the Buddhist monks who, in their pursuit of enlightenment, practiced the careful nourishment of both body and mind. Their diet was often simple, centered on natural foods that nourished the body and cleared the mind. The monks believed that the physical body was a temple, and as such, it was to be treated with reverence and care. They did not overindulge, nor did they neglect themselves. The lessons of balance, mindfulness, and dietary discipline that they lived by reflect Mariah Carey’s understanding of the importance of diet in her health journey. Just as the monks sought simplicity and balance in their meals, Mariah Carey finds her own transformation through the mindful practice of a balanced diet, underscoring the power of nourishment in shaping our physical and spiritual well-being.

The lesson we learn from Mariah Carey is profound and timeless: the true path to health and vitality is found not just in exercise or external measures, but in the careful choices we make every day about what we put into our bodies. Her recognition that 90 percent of weight loss comes from diet echoes the wisdom of the ancients, who understood that nourishment is the key to both physical transformation and overall well-being. Just as the great warriors, philosophers, and healers of the past knew, our bodies are not separate from the food we consume—they are shaped by it, sustained by it, and made strong through it.

Let us take Mariah Carey’s wisdom to heart and approach our own health with intentionality and balance. Let us recognize the power of diet in shaping not only our bodies but our lives. By choosing to nourish ourselves with food that supports our goals and well-being, we honor our bodies as sacred vessels—just as the ancient healers and warriors did. Through mindful nourishment, we cultivate a life of strength, vitality, and balance—living in harmony with the ancient wisdom that food is not merely sustenance, but the very foundation of our physical and spiritual strength.